Deputy Sheriff Robert J. Leonard Memorial Fund

Meigs County Sheriff's Deputy Robert J. Leonard Memorial Fund

Deputy Sheriff R.J. Leonard died in a single-vehicle crash into the Tennessee River off the Blythe Ferry Boat Ramp in Birchwood.

Deputy Leonard was at home when he took the call relating to a disturbance near the Highway 60 Bridge in Birchwood. He arrived at the scene at about 9:48 p.m. and, at 10:15 pm, radioed that he had arrested a female subject and was transporting her to the Meigs County Jail. A few moments later, dispatchers received an unclear transmission where Deputy Leonard mentioned "water." The area is remote and rural, and it is difficult for cellphone signals and other radio traffic to go through. When he failed to respond to a status check, a search began.

The next day, his patrol car was found upside down in the water with the female subject in the back. His window was rolled down, and he was not in the vehicle. His body was recovered at 6:30 p.m. on February 15, 2024.

Deputy Leonard had served with the Meigs County Sheriff's Office for two months. He is survived by his wife and five children.

You can make a difference by donating today to Blue Line Tennessee Inc.

Blue Line Tennessee was formed and incorporated on November 13, 2019, and is a Non-Profit organization under section 501(c) 3 of the Internal Revenue Service code. Tax-ID #84-2974431

We were formed by several Tennessee Law Enforcement Officers with a very specific purpose of trying to help our Tennessee Law Enforcement Families when they lose their Officer in the Line of Duty, or if their Officer is injured in the line of Duty and unable to work.

This fundraising page has been set up with the consent of Deputy Leonard's Family and Meigs County Sheriff's Office .